EghtesadOnline: The directive to raise water tariffs for consumers was ratified by Tehran City Council and approved by the Economy Council, chief executive of the Tehran Regional Water Authority said.

"Water prices for households who consume less than 30 cubic meters a month will rise by 7%, yet the tariffs for subscribers who exceed the limit will increase by 15%," Mohammad Reza Bakhtiari was also quoted as saying by ISNA. According to the official, the new directive will take effect in November. "The generated revenue will be spent on ventures aimed at enhancing water quality in the province," he added. The official noted that based on the new tariffs, the price for each cubic meter of water will increase as much as one cent. Experts believe that low water prices have made people oblivious to the fact that they must consume water judiciously and help mitigate the effects of water shortage. There is a strong consensus that if water consumption patterns do not change, many parts of the country will turn into swathes of barren land, according to Financial Tribune.